Services - Aaron Winkler MD

Services

Combine the power of rapid, intensive psychotherapy with the foundation of carefully selected medication.

Our Services

Accurate, comprehensive diagnosis. Then the right treatment in the right order all from the the same doctor.
For some, therapy is needed before medication is tolerable. For others, medication provides the stability to make progress in therapy. Some only want one or the other, and sometimes that works well.

ADHD Diagnosis

A comprehensive gold-standard process, with additional components created by Dr. Winkler specifically for adults with ADHD, that will answer your questions. The resulting documentation of diagnosis is accepted by everyone from primary care practitioners to the U.S. military. Most commonly two appointments over two weeks, but can take up to four appointments over two months

Medication Initiation

f appropriate, Dr. Winkler will prescribe medication and continue to see you until you are ready to have your primary care provider continue the medication. Usually takes between three and six appointments over six to nine months.

Psychotherapy

ADHD is never the root of the problem. Not ever. It is always an adaptation that manages deeper difficulties. Many adults with ADHD find enough benefit from diagnosis and medication that they do not need to explore any deeper. But for those who are ready and willing, Dr. Winkler offers weekly, intensive, emotion- and body-focused psychodynamic therapy.

Novel tools for ADHD diagnosis in adults.

For clinicians interested in incorporating Dr. WInkler’s novel diagnostic tools in their practice, access and training in available at CAST. Patients who would like to make their treating clinician aware of these tools and training can also do so there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Contact our Team via info@aaronwinklermd.com

01 What does "high-functioning" mean?

“High-functioning” refers to people who weren’t diagnosed as children because they were “too smart,” “too gifted at sports,” or “too well-behaved” for the adults around them to think they might have ADHD. Dr. Winkler usually sees patients who are successful professionals, medical students, medical residents, PhD candidates, and the like. But he also sees college students and people in between careers. If you are wondering if you count as “high-functioning,” assume that you do!

02 Is Dr. Winkler current accepting new patients

Yes

03 Does Dr. Winkler see patients whose primary residence is outside California?

No.

04 What is the intake process?

Click “Request Appointment” and fill out the intake form. This should take about 15 minutes. Dr. Winkler will review your responses and contact you about next steps in 48-72 hours. Some patients who may be well served by the clinic are immediately ready to be seen for diagnosis and treatment. For some who might benefit, it is very important to be stable in ongoing therapy prior to starting the process of ADHD diagnosis and treatment.

05 What is the process and timeline for diagnosis and starting medication?

Though sometimes there is adjustment to fit the needs of an individual, the process and timeline are most commonly: Two 1.5 hour appointments 1-2 weeks apart to establish diagnosis and plan treatment. If starting a medication, then a number of 30 minute appointments accordion over the next few months: about 2 weeks after starting medication, then about 1.5 months later. then 2-3 months later. Sometimes more appointments are necessary for dosage adjustment to achieve readiness to transfer prescription to primary care

06 Do you see patients under the age of 18?

In rare circumstances, patients as young as 16 may be seen for diagnosis and treatment. However, in general, the best results are seen when the patient is the one most interested in driving the process. When parents or family members are the more interested in diagnosis and treatment than the patient, success is much less likely and often only comes after the something like an intervention takes place

07Do you offer intervention support?

Yes, on a case by case basis. if if you are completing intake paperwork on behalf of a loved one, please make note of that in the “reason to be seen” field at the top of the intake form.

08Do you see patients for therapy who are already diagnosed and stable along medication?

Yes. Please explain that this is the situation and desired treatment in the “reason to be seen” field of the intake form.

09Do you continue medication for people moving or changing providers who are already on a stable dosage?

No. if you are already diagnosed and stable on medication, it is best to seek your prescription from a primary care practitioner or general practice psychiatrist.

10Do you take insurance?

No. A superbill is provided so that you can seek reimbursement from your insurance company if you desire.

11How much does insurance usually reimburse?

This is highly variable and depends on your insurance coverage. Some patients obtain as much as 80% reimbursement. Others may obtain as little as 30% or have reimbursement repeatedly denied. At this time, the clinic does not have the staffing to support reimbursement claims beyond providing the superbill.

12How much does it cost, and how does payment work?

The rate is equivalent to standard rates in the local area. Discounts are sometimes available for students at Stanford, UC Berkeley, USC, and UCLA.

13Do you only diagnose and start medication for patients you also see in therapy?

These are separate services. While most adults with ADHD benefit from both medication and therapy, these are offered separately.

14Do you continue medication for patients you see in therapy?

Yes. For patients who do not want long-term therapy, or when space is not available to take on new therapy patients, it is often cheaper to transfer ongoing writing of prescriptions to your PCP once medication is at a stable dosage. This is usually after 5-10 appointments over 3-9 months.

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